Multiple switch control



Dec. 17, 1 7 F. M. BROWN 2,816,966

MULTIPLE SWITCH CONTROL Filed Sept. 19, 1955 6 Emma 2 :2 "MW m 59%; 1!; -24

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Application September 19, 1955, Serial No. 535,101

10 Claims. (Cl. 200-) This invention pertains to electric switches, and relates particularly to novel control mechanism for operating a plurality of rotary switches and for indicating the relative positions of said switches.

In many types of electrical and electronic instruments and equipment it is frequently required that relatively large numbers of switching adjustments be made for selecting proper values of resistance, capacitance, or inductance. For example, in the operation of a voltage divider it is necessary frequently to make a large number of selections of resistance values in the search for or setting of a desired value.

It is the principal object of the present invention to provide a control by which a relatively large number of switching operations may be performed from a single dialing station.

Another important object of the present invention is the provision of a control mechanism for operating a ,plurality of switches in a pre-determined sequence.

A further important object of the present .invention is theprovision of control mechanism for operating a plurality of switches, which mechanism is a simplified construction for economical manufacture, which is readily adapted for use with conventional type electric switches, and which is operable with speed and precision.

The foregoing and other objects and advantages of the present invention will appear from the followingdetailed description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawing,,in which:

Figure 1 is a plan viewof a switch control mechanism embodying the features of the present invention;

Figure 2 is a view in side elevation, partly in section, showing details of the switch control mechanism embodying the features of the present invention;

Figure 3 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 3-3 of Figure 1;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary sectional view taken along the line 44 of Figure 1; and

Figure 5 is a fragmentary side view, partly in section, showing a modified form of control for a switch operated by the innermost concentric shaft.

Referring particularly to Figure 2 of the drawing, the switch control of the present invention is shown applied to a plurality of conventional types of-electric switches. For example, switch is a conventional continuous wire potentiometer resistance, and for ,purposes of this invention is considered to be a switch in the sense that the sliding contact provides various values of resistance by switching through a number of turns of resistance wire. There is also illustrated a plurality of wafer switches, each of which comprises a central rotary section and an outer fixed section. The inner and outer sections of each wafer switch are identified, respectively, by

2,816,966 Patented Dec. 17, 1957 and the fixed sections of the wafer switches are mounted thereon through appropriate openings provided therein. The wafer switches are spaced at desired intervals along the rods by means of spacer sleeves 26.

Intermediate the ends of the rods there is supported a transverse secondary frame member 28, positioned in spaced relation with respect to the wafer switches by additional spacer sleeves 26. The purpose of this secondary frame member is described hereinafter.

Adjacent the rearwardmost ends of the rods 22, 24, is a terminal frame member 30, supported upon the rods and spaced from the intermediate frame member 28 by the spacer sleeves 26, as shown. The terminal frame member functions to support the potentiometer unit 10. The assembly of wafer switches, intermediate frame member, and terminal frame member are secured together by means of the threaded nuts 32 which are received on the threaded terminal ends of rods 22, 24.

In accordance with the present invention, the control for the several switches is provided by means of a plurality of concentric shafts which extend through the base plate 20. Thus, the outwardmost shaft 34 is connected at its inner end to the rotary section 16 of the forwardmost wafer switch, and terminates at its outer end in a circular dial plate 36. The shaft 34 extends through an opening in the base plate and is secured against longitudinal displacement with respect to the base plate by means of the retaining ring 38, which is received within a groove formed in the shaft 34 adjacent the undersurface of the base plate.

The next outermost shaft 40 is secured at its rearward end to the rotary section 14 of the intermediate wafer switch. The shaft 40 extends outwardly through a central bore in the shaft 34, and terminates at its outward end in dial plate 42 which is superimposed upon dial plate 36. Shaft 40 is secured against longitudinal displacement with respect to shaft 34 by means of securing ring 44, which is mounted in a groove formed in the shaft 40 adjacent the rearwardmost end of shaft 34.

The rotary section 12 of the re-arwardmost wafer switch is secured to the inner end of the next inwardly concentric shaft 46, which extends through an axial bore in shaft 40 and terminates at its outer end in the dial plate 48. Shaft 46 is secured against longitudinal displacement with respect to shaft 40 by means of securing ring 50, which is mounted in an annular groove formed in the shaft 46 adjacent the rearward end of shaft 40.

The innermost concentric shaft 52 is secured at .its outer end to dial plate 54 which is provided at its center with a projecting knob 56 which forms a hand grip for manipulating the dial assembly, as will be explained more fully hereinafter. The rearward end of shaft 52 is provided with a hollow sleeve 58 which is secured thereto by such means as the set screw 60. Mounted slidably within the sleeve 58 and projecting from the rearward end thereof is a shaft 62, the rearward end of which extends through the terminal frame member for operative connection with the potentiometer unit 10. The shaft 62 is provided with a radially extending pin '64 which projects into a slot 66 formed in the rearward end of sleeve 58. Thus, the shafts 52 and 62 are secured together for axial rotation, but may be displaced longitudinally with respect to each other, for purposes explained in detail hereinafter.

Referring particularly to Figures 1 and 4 of the draw ing, it is to be noted that the dial plates 36, 42, 28, 54 are stacked axially in face abutting relation and are proportioned, respectively, with progressively smaller diameters. The exposed outersurfaceof each dial plate is provided with dial numerals arranged in circumferentially spaced relationship, and proportioned for cooperative 3 alinement adjacent an index marker 68 projecting from the base plate adjacent the periphery of dial plate 36.

It is preferred to provide linear calibration markings between the dial numerals on the inner most dial 54-, as shown, to accommodate increased accuracy of adjustment and reading of the final setting of the control.

The base plate 20 is provided with a plurality of trans verse openings 78 which underlie the dial plate 36 and are arranged in the spaced relation of the dial numerals mentioned hereinbefore. The dial plate 36 is provided with a transverse opening '72 positioned for cooperative registration with the openings and adapted to contain a ball detent 74. The ball is maintained in resilient contact with the base plate 20 by such means as the overlying leaf spring 76, which is secured to the dial plate 76 by screw 78.

In similar manner, dial plate 36 is provided with a piurality of transverse openings 80 arranged in the spaced relation of the dial numerals and underlying the dial plate 42. The latter is provided with a transverse opening 82 which is positioned for cooperative registration with the openings 80 and is proportioned to receive therein a bail detent 84 which is retained in resilient contact with dial plate 36 by means of the overlying leaf spring 86, which is secured to dial plate 42 by means of screw 88.

In like manner, dial plate 42 is provided with a plurality of transverse openings arranged in the pattern of the dial numerals and underlying the dial plate 43. This latter plate is provided with a transverse opening 92 positioned for cooperative registration with the openings 9 and adapted to receive therein the ball detent 94, which is retained therein in resilient contact with dial plate 42 by means of the overlying leaf spring 96, which is secured to dial plate 48 by means of screw 98.

Dial plate 43 is provided with a plurality of transverse openings arranged in the pattern of the dial numerals and underlying the dial plate 54. Projecting from the under surface of dial plate 54 is a pin detent 102 adapted to be received within any one of the openings 100. The dial plate 54 is retractable from dial plate 48, in order to accommodate selective engagement of the pin 102.

The retraction of dial plate 54 is accommodated by means of the sleeve connection between the shafts 52 and 62 described hereinbefore. As the dial plate 54 is retracted from dial plate 48, the shaft 52 and sleeve 58 are moved forwardly, while shaft 62 remains in its longitudinally fixed position, secured to potentiometer 1t), and the slot 66 in the sleeve moves forwardly with respect to the pin 64. In this manner, the dial plate 54 may be rotated when in either position, to cause rotation of the shaft for manipulation of the potentiometer unit 10.

In Figure 2 of the drawing there is shown means for securing the shaft 52, and hence the dial plate 54, in either position of adjustment, i. e. with pin 102 engaged with or disengaged from an opening 100. In the construction illustrated, the shaft 52 is provided with a pair of axially spaced annular grooves 104, 106, each adapted to receive resiliently therein a ball detent 108 which is mounted in a housing 110 secured to the intermediate frame member 28 by such means as bolt 112. A coil spring 114 within the housing functions to urge the ball detent 108 outwardly into resilient engagement with the grooves 104 or 106, whereby to secure the shaft 52 in its desired position of adjustment.

In Figure 2 the dial plate 54 is shown in abutment with dial plate 48, and it is retained in such position by virtue of ball detent 108 being retained resiliently in groove 104. When it is desired to retract the dial plate 54 for disengaging the pin 162 from an opening 100, an outward pull upon knob 56 causes the shaft 54 to be moved forwardly, whereupon the ball detent 168 rides over the shoulder separating the grooves 1494 and 106. Thus, the dial plate .54 may be retained in its retracted position, permitting axial rotation of shafts 52 and 62. The extent to which dial plate 54 may be retracted from dial plate 48 is limited by means of a retainer ring 116 which is secured within r gressively increasing values.

an annular groove in shaft 52 and positioned for abutment with the terminal end of shaft 46 at the desired degree of retraction.

Referring now to Figure 5 of the drawing, there is shown a modified form of means for positioning the dial plate 54 relative to dial plate 48. In this construction the pair of grooves 104, 106 and ball detent 108 illustrated in Figure 2 are eliminated, and a coil spring 118 is interposed within the hollow sleeve 58 between the spaced ends of shafts 52 and 62. The coil spring functions to u e the shafts apart, and thus to maintain the dial plate normally retracted from dial plate 48. The retainer ring functions to limit the degree of retraction of dial plate 54, as previously mentioned.

As explained hereinbefore, the dial, plates 3-6, 42-, are stacked axially and the friction detent mechanisms asso ciated therewith are proportioned with progressively do creasing diameters. This is an important feature of the present invention, since it affords a sequential operation of the dial plates and their connected concentric shafts and switches. Referring particularly to Figure l of the drawing, it is to be noted that an upstanding abutment pin 120 is provided on dial plate 42 for engagement by a radially projecting finger 122 secured to dial plate 48 by means of the screw 98. Similarly, an upstanding pin 124 is provided on dial plate 36 for engagement with the radially projecting finger 126 which is secured to dial plate 42 by means of the screw 88.

It will be apparent that when the pin detent 102 on dial plate 54 is engaged with an opening 100 in dial plate 48, rotation of the knob 56 causes simultaneous rotation of the dial plates 54 and 48. However, until the projecting finger 122 engages the projecting pin 120 on dial plate 42, the latter will not be rotated. This result is achieved because of the fact that the ball detent assembly 80, 84 is arranged on a larger radius than is the ball detent assembly 90, 94. Thus, the force required to displace ball 94 from opening 90 is less than the force required to displace ball 84 from opening 80. Similarly, after engagement of finger 122 with abutment pin 120, dial plate 42 will continue to rotate, without rotation of dial plate 36, until finger 126 is brought into engagement with abutment pin 124.

From the foregoing it is evident that controlled rotation of the dial plates in the sequence from dial plate 54 to dial plate 36, is achieved by manipulation of a single control knob 56. Thus, there is afforded a controlled rotation of the concentric shafts, in the sequence from the innermost shaft to the outermost shaft. In view of this mode of operation, it is convenient, for example in the construction of a voltage divider, to connect the innermost shaft to the finest resistance, such as the interpolating potentiometer 10, and to connect each successively outward shaft to wafer switches which carry resistance elements of pro- In this manner, manipulation of control knob 56 functions, through the cooperative relation of the dial plate, detents, abutment pins and fingers, first to establish the desired setting of the switch associated with the outwardrnost dial 36, to select the largest value of resistance, then to establish the proper setting of the switch associated with dial 42, for the next largest value resistance, then to establish the desired setting of the switch associated with dial 48, and finally to set the desired value of the interpolating resistance 10 associated with dial 54.

To illustrate the foregoing operation, let it be assumed that it is desired to adjust the dials from the positions shown in Figure 1 to the value .69274, the decimal point being indicated by the index pin 68. Control knob 56 is rotated in the counterclockwise direction until the numeral 6 on dial 36 is positioned adjacent the index pin 68. The control knob 56 is then rotated clockwise, 360, to bring finger 112 into engagement with the left side of pin 120, and this clockwise rotation then is continued until the numeral 9 on dial 42 is positioned adjacent the asmpee numeral 6 on dial 26, i. e. on the imaginary horizontal line extending from index pin 68 through the center of control knob 56. Next, the controi knob is rotated counterclockwise until the numeral 2 on the dial 48 is positioned on said imaginary horizontal line. Finally, the control knob is pulled outwardly to disengage detent pin 102 on dial 554 from the opening 100 in dial 48, whereupon the control knob and dial 54 are rotated clockwise until the intermediate graduations on dial 54 indicating the value 7.4 is positioned on said imaginary horizontal line.

It is to be noted that dials 36 and 54 in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention are not restricted in rotation by stop mechanisms such as are provided for the intermediate dials. This construction is preferred because it permits continuous rotation and thus accommodates adjustment of these dials to any value in either direction of rotation.

It is to be noted further that the provision of the ball detents 74, S4, 94 and the asosciated sockets or openings 7t), 8t), 91), respectively, functions to hold each of the dial plates in selected positions of adjustment. The spacings between said sockets, and the related positions of the dial numerals preferably are chosen to correspond with the positions of the plurality of contacts provided on the wafer switches. Thus, the ball detents and associated sockets perform the additional function of conventional detent mechanisms normally associated with the wafer switches, thereby simplifying the complete switch assembly.

From the foregoing, it will be apparent that the present invention provides a multiple switch control which is of simplified construction, is capable of assembly and disassembly with speed and precision, and is adaptable for use with conventional switch structures. It affords the control of a plurality of switches in a pre-determined sequence by the manipulation of a single control knob, thereby providing increased speed of operation with greater facility than is aiforded by conventional switch controls.

it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes in the details of construction described hereinbefore may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of this invention. For example, it will be apparent that the control may be employed with various types of rotary devices other than electric switches. In some instances the dial numerals may be omitted, when dial readings are not required or are obtained from auxiliary equipment.

In addition, it is to be noted that the dial plates and their associated concentric shafts are related in size, i. e. the largest diameter dial plate is connected to the largest diameter shaft, and so on. Thus, the stop members 120, 122, 124 and 126 and the friction mechanisms, e. g. 70, 72, 76, may be mounted on the shafts rather than on the dial plates, to perform the same function described hereinbefore. Accordingly, the dial members referred to in some of the appended claims are intended to identify the assembly of these plates, with or without dial numerals, and associated shafts.

Various forms of friction means, other than the ball detent mechanisms illustrated, may be employed to provide the function described, provided they are arranged in a radial pattern to produce the sequential operation described. For example, the dial plates may be disposed in frictional face-abutting relationship, whereby the progressively greater friction of the progressively larger diameter plates produces the sequential operation provided by th bail detent mechanisms described.

Stop mechanisms, such as the associated pin and finger members 124), 122 and 124, 126, may also be applied tothe dial plates 48, 54, in substitution for the retracting mechanism and the lock means 100, 102, described hereinbefore. The friction means also may be applied to the dial plates 48, 54, if desired.

Since the foregoing and other changes may be made within the teachings of this invention, it is to be understood that the foregoing description is primarily illustrative of the invention, and is not to be considered as limiting the scope thereof.

Having now described my invention and the manner in which the same may be used, what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A rotary control for a plurality of rotary devices, comprising a frame for supporting said rotary devices coaxially and including a base member, a plurality of independently rotatable dial members each including a dial plate and a shaft, the dial plates being arranged in axially superimposed relation with one of said dial plates positioned adjacent the base member and the shafts being arranged concentrically and each adapted to be connected to one of the said rotary devices, first friction means interconnecting the base member and the adjacent dial member, second friction means interconnecting adjacent dial members and arranged on successively decreasing radii with respect to the first friction means, and interengageable abutment means on adjacent dial members for connecting said dial members together for simultaneous rotation after a pre-determined rotation of the inner one of said adjacent dial members, whereby each of said plurality of shafts is driven sequentially by the next adjacent inner shaft with the innermost shaft being the primary drive for the remaining shafts.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the exposed surface of said dial plates are provided with dial calibrations and the friction means comprises resilient detent means and cooperative circumferentially spaced socket means correspending with said calibration.

3. The device of claim 1 including retractible locking means on the adjacent dial members farthest removed from the base member for releasably locking said dial members together.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the innermost shaft is movable longitudinally and includes sliding coupling means connecting said shaft to the associated rotary device.

5. The device of claim 3 wherein the innermost shaft is movable longitudinally and includes sliding coupling means connecting said shaft to the associated rotary device, and detent means between the frame and said shaft for releasably securing the associated dial plate in locked and unlocked position.

6. The device of claim 3 wherein the innermost shaft is movable longitudinally and includes sliding coupling means connecting said shaft to the associated rotary device, and resilient means between said rotary device and said shaft for urging the associated dial plate normally to the unlocked position.

7. A rotary control for a plurality of rotary devices, comprising a frame for supporting said rotary devices coaxially and including a base member, a plurality of independently rotatable concentric shafts extending through the base member and each connected to one of said rotary devices, a dial plate connected to each shaft and arranged in axially superimposed relation with one of said dial plates positioned adjacent the base mem ber, first friction means interconnecting the base member and the adjacent dial plate, second friction means interconnecting adjacent dial plates and arranged on successively decreasing radii with respect to the first friction means, and interengageable abutment means on adjacent dial plates for connecting said dial plates together for simultaneous rotation after a pre-determined rotation of the inner one of said adjacent dial plates, whereby each of said plurality of shafts is driven sequentially by the next adjacent inner shaft with the innermost shaft being the primary drive for the remaining shafts.

8. A multiple rotary switch, comprising a plurality of rotary switches, a frame for supporting said rotary switches coaxially and including a base member, a pluraiity of independently rotatable dial members each in- 7 eluding a dial plate and a shaft, the dial plates being arranged in axially superimposed relation with one of said dial plates positioned adjacent the base member and the shafts being arranged concentrically and each connected to one of the said rotary switches, first friction means interconnecting the base member and the adjacent dial member, second friction means interconnecting adjacent dial members and arranged on successively decreasing radii With respect to the first friction means, and interengageable abutment means on adjacent dial members for connecting said dial members together for simultaneous rotation after substantially one revolution of the inner one of said adjacent dial members, whereby each of said plurality of shafts is driven sequentially by the next adjacent inner shaft with the innermost shaft being the primary drive for the remaining shafts.

9. The device of claim 8 wherein the dial plates are proportioned with progressively decreasing diameters from the base member, the exposed surfaces of said dial plate are provided with dial calibrations, and the friction means comprises resilient detent means and cooperating circumferentially spaced socket means corresponding with said calibrations.

10. A multiple rotary switch, comprising a frame for supporting said rotary switches coaxially and including a base member, a plurality of independently rotatable concentric shafts extending through the base member and each connected to one of said rotary switches, a dial plate connected to each shaft and arranged in axially superimposed relation with one of said dial plates positioned adjacent the base member, first friction means interconnecting the base member and the adjacent dial plate, second friction means interconnecting adjacent dial plates and arranged on successively decreasing radii with respect to the first friction means, interengageable abutment means on adjacent dial plates for connecting said dial plates together for simultaneous rotation after a predetermined rotation of the inner one of said adjacent dial plates, whereby each of said plurality of shafts is driven sequentially by the next adjacent inner shaft with the innermost shaft being the primary drive for the remaining shafts, and retractable locking means on the adjacent dial plates farthest removed from the base memher for releasably locking said dial plates together.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,020,155 Phillips Mar. 1.2, 1912 1,650,469 Rychlewski Nov. 22, 1927 1,670,448 Hanna a- May 22, 1928 1,712,563 Jones May 14, 1929 2,624,808 Anderson Jan. 6, 1953 2,639,338 Kwasniewski May 19, 1953 

